Microbiological Quality of Raw Milk Samples in Bareilly City, India

摘要

India is highest producer of raw milk and dairy products in all over the world. It is also one of the largest exporter of dairy products. The quality of these dairy products including raw milk should be examined regularly for maintaining the good hygienic qualities of these products. However, In India, the limited study is available on microbiological quality of raw milk. Therefore the microbiological quality and safety of raw milk from different dairy farms and dairy shops in Bareilly city (Northern India) was examined. Bovine raw milk samples (n = 150) were aseptically collected and analyzed for several microbial quality attributes including total aerobic plate count (TAPC), total coliform count (TCC), and L. monocytogenes count (LC). The mean log counts for TAPC, TCC were observed in between 3.3–5.9 cfu/mL and 1.6–3.8 cfu/mL respectively. The LC of two samples, found positive for the presence of L. monocytogenes, was 3.8 cfu/mL and log 4.0 cfu/mL. Results indicated that the security of raw milk is hampered due to high microbial counts and, under the present conditions; the population is on potential health risk while consuming raw milk sold in Bareilly. Therefore, food regulatory agencies should take serious considerations to reduce the microbial contamination in raw milk at dairy farms and shops